Representatives of 31 organisations, including civil society groups, Meira Paibis and sacred site protection committees, today convened a meeting at Ima Ebema Kunthok Hanbi Sanglen, expressing concern over the alleged encroachment and desecration of Meitei sacred sites in Manipur.
Speakers at the meeting expressed anguish over the continuing conflict since May 3, 2023, alleging that it had displaced Meitei communities from their ancestral homes and prevented them from accessing and performing religious rituals at several sacred sites.
They particularly raised concerns over alleged attempts to rename and reconstruct sacred sites in the Koubru and Thangjing hill ranges, asserting that these places hold deep religious, cultural and historical significance for the Meitei community.
The speakers criticised the government for its alleged failure to take effective measures to protect Manipur’s ancestral sacred sites and religious heritage.
Among those who addressed the meeting were Ph. Mangilal Singh, Kh. Rakesh, Khaidem Biramani, Ch. Nandalal Angomcha, Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Dr Makhonmani Mongsaba, retired principal L. Gopal Singh and retired District and Sessions Judge Salam Imocha.
